Tough ask for Sri Lanka

Pakistan in the driving seat, but......

Elmo Rodrigopulle reporting from the SSC

When Pakistan set Sri Lanka 492 for victory, it was a big ask and a target never before achieved in the history of the game and whether the Lankan batsmen can get there and rewrite the record books, or succumb only when the final ball is bowled today could tell.

At the close Sri Lanka had lost 3 for 183 and require another to 309 to get to cricket's promised land. If there is a will there is a way, it is said and there is no reason why the Lankan batsmen cannot do it. What they got to do is believe in themselves and play that way, then the impossible could be made possible.

At the wickets are Kumar Sangakkara on 50 and Thilan Samaraweera 20 and at the moment things don't look rosy. But it must be remembered that the days of cricketing miracles are still not over.

The first session belonged to the Pakistanis who added a further125 runs for the loss of four wickets before Younus Khan applied the closure just after lunch at 425 for 9.

Shoaib Malik who was unbeaten on a majestic 106 added another 28 runs before he was out brilliantly caught by substitute fielder Suraj Randiv diving at deep mid off.

Danesh Kaneira who was reprimanded dollied at catch to Mirando fielding at mid off off Herath for 5 and then after taking lunch at 410 for 9, Khan asked Mohammed Amer to have a go and the youngster obliged clouting three fours and a six before calling a halt at 425 for 9.

The Lankans were set 492 for victory in five sessions of play.